Michael Turner
Bring suitcases to the ticket counter or designated bag-drop 3 hours before departure for domestic flights and 4 hours for international services; curbside drop-off usually opens about 4 hours ahead.
Most carriers stop accepting hold items roughly 45–60 minutes prior to domestic departures and 60–90 minutes before international departures. If your itinerary includes oversized sports gear or musical instruments, add an extra 60–90 minutes to allow for additional processing and special handling.
For departures earlier than the typical 4-hour window, contact your carrier directly: some permit earlier handover for long multi-leg itineraries or specific ticket types. Use ticketing counters, airline-operated bag-drop kiosks or authorized curbside staff for the fastest processing.
Complete boarding formalities online and have printed or mobile tags ready, arrive during off-peak hours when possible, and factor in extra time for holiday and peak-travel congestion at the Jeppesen Terminal and concourses. When in doubt, confirm the carrier’s published acceptance and cut-off times before travel.
Recommended drop-off windows for hold baggage at DEN
Aim to be at the ticketing/bag-drop area about 2 hours before domestic departures and 3–4 hours before international flights; most carriers open bag-drop counters up to 4 hours before scheduled takeoff and typically stop accepting hold bags 45–60 minutes prior to departure.
Airline-specific typical windows
| Carrier | Typical open window (before departure) | Latest drop-off cutoff (before departure) | Recommended arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| United | Up to 4 hours | 45 min (domestic) / 60–90 min (international) | 2 hr (domestic) / 3–4 hr (international) |
| Southwest | Up to 4 hours (mobile check-in opens 24 hrs) | 30–45 min (domestic) | 2 hr (domestic) |
| Frontier | Up to 4 hours | 45 min (domestic) / 60–90 min (international) | 2 hr (domestic) / 3–4 hr (international) |
| American | Up to 4 hours | 45 min (domestic) / 60–90 min (international) | 2 hr (domestic) / 3–4 hr (international) |
| Delta | Up to 4 hours | 45 min (domestic) / 60–90 min (international) | 2 hr (domestic) / 3–4 hr (international) |
Practical terminal tips
Bring a valid photo ID and digital or printed boarding pass to the bag-drop counter; have any excess-fee payment method ready. If arriving before counters open, use curbside baggage service where available (fees and hours vary by carrier). For oversized or specialty items, visit the airline ticket desk immediately after arrival at the terminal. Always verify your carrier’s published cutoff on the airline website or mobile app for the flight number in question.
Airline counter and curbside baggage drop opening times at DEN
Arrive at the airline ticket counter or curbside baggage drop at DEN no later than 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international departures; allow up to 4 hours when transporting oversized sports gear or special items.
Standard desk-staffing patterns: most legacy carriers (United, American, Delta) staff counters 2–3 hours before domestic departures and 3–4 hours for overseas flights. Low-cost carriers operating scheduled early-morning services may have desks open as early as 03:00 local time; verify exact desk opening via the carrier’s website or mobile app before travel.
Curbside bag drop usually opens with the ticket counter and closes well before gate closure: typical domestic cutoffs fall between 30–60 minutes prior to scheduled departure (legacy carriers cluster around 45 minutes; some low-cost carriers use 30–40 minutes); international curbside drop windows most commonly end 60–90 minutes before pushback. If using kiosk or curbside self-tagging, confirm carrier-specific deadlines – gate agents will not accept bags after the carrier’s posted cutoff.
Practical tips: purchase checked-bag allowance and print tags in the airline app to speed processing; if transporting sports equipment or oversized items, call the carrier to reserve oversized-item handling and arrive toward the longer end of the suggested window. For a compact daypack to hold items you’ll carry onboard, consider a best drawstring gym bag.
Earliest tagged-bag drop for domestic departures and common exceptions
Present and tag bags at airline ticket counters or curbside at least 3 hours before scheduled departure; for pre-dawn departures, major holiday travel or stadium/special-event peaks allow 4–5 hours to avoid missed acceptance windows.
Typical carrier timeframes: many low-cost and regional carriers begin accepting baggage ~2–3 hours prior and stop 30–45 minutes before departure; major network carriers commonly open 3–4 hours ahead and cease acceptance about 45 minutes before domestic departure. If your itinerary lists a narrow connection, use the earlier end of these ranges.
Common exceptions requiring extra lead time: oversized or sporting equipment (skis, bikes, golf clubs) often need special handling and inspection at the ticket counter; declared firearms require in-person processing and additional paperwork; unaccompanied minors, military travel with orders, and group bookings usually require arrival at least 3–4 hours earlier than single-ticket travelers.
Interline itineraries or domestic-to-international connections change handling rules: if the bags must be re-tagged or pass customs, acceptance often begins earlier and has longer cutoffs; confirm per-carrier policy when the trip includes different airlines or an onward international leg.
Practical steps: complete online check‑in and print or mobile‑receive tags when available, weigh and measure items before leaving, photograph each bag, keep the baggage receipt, and verify special-item rules and cutoff times on the carrier’s website or by phone if arriving within four hours of departure.
Earliest checked-bag drop for international flights and customs requirements
Present hold baggage at your carrier’s international counter or designated bag‑drop at least 3 hours before scheduled departure; verify the carrier’s exact counter opening time and the bag‑drop cutoff (most carriers close acceptance 60–90 minutes prior to departure for international services).
Documentation required: valid passport, necessary visas or entry permits for destination and any transit countries, boarding pass (mobile or printed), and any destination-specific entry forms or health certificates. Airlines will collect Advance Passenger Information (passport number, nationality, date of birth) either during online check‑in or at the counter – complete that step before arriving if the carrier prompts it.
Customs and baggage flow for connections: on itineraries that route through a U.S. entry point, you will normally clear immigration and customs at the first U.S. arrival, retrieve checked bags, and re‑check them at the connecting terminal – allow a minimum of 2–3 hours for this process and confirm whether your carrier will transfer bags through or require self re‑check.
Exceptions and special handling: oversized, hazardous, restricted or sports equipment often requires earlier drop times and handling at a special counter; premium cabins and some international long‑haul flights may open counters earlier than standard schedules. For group or peak‑season travel add a 30–60 minute buffer beyond the carrier’s posted cutoff.
Final step: contact your airline 24–72 hours prior to departure for carrier‑specific open/close times, API deadlines, and any country‑specific export or entry requirements that could affect acceptance of checked baggage.
Options if you arrive before bag acceptance: storage, curbside waiting, and ticket-counter rules
If your carrier refuses to accept bags on arrival, book a vetted third‑party storage spot or leave items with a hotel bell desk; do not leave bags unattended at curbside or in a parked vehicle.
Short‑term storage choices
- Off‑site lockers and services (Bounce, Vertoe, LuggageHero): book online, drop within the hour, expect roughly $6–$15 per item per day; verify insurance and size limits before booking.
- Hotel bell service: most nearby hotels will hold bags for guests at no charge and often accept non‑guests for a fee – call ahead and get a written receipt with hotel name and staff member.
- Ride to downtown storage hubs: if time allows, some train stations and city kiosks offer hourly storage rates lower than curbside alternatives; allow 45–90 minutes round trip including transit time.
- Courier or same‑day delivery to a hotel or workplace: use an app or local courier for guaranteed delivery within hours; costs typically exceed locker fees but eliminate return trips.
Curbside waiting and ticket‑counter handling
- Use the free cell‑phone waiting lot to queue for pick‑up; pull to curb only when ready to load – curb zones usually enforce 5–10 minute loading limits and tow or ticket lingerers.
- Do not leave bags with curbside attendants unless the carrier’s representative explicitly accepts them and issues a tag/receipt; refuse any informal handoffs without documentation.
- Ticket counters: if an agent agrees to accept items outside normal acceptance windows, obtain a paper tag and check‑receipt showing destination, weight, and agent ID; photograph both sides for dispute evidence.
- For high‑value or fragile items keep them on your person or in a carry bag; insurers and carriers often deny claims for items left unattended or stored with non‑certified services.
Before choosing any option call your carrier’s customer service number for a definitive stance on accepting bags prior to their published service window and save the agent’s name and time stamp; use photo evidence of receipts/tags. For a handy reaching tool when stowing overhead items use best pressure washer telescoping extension wand.
What to bring and inspect before a pre-departure baggage drop: ID, visas, size limits and security screening
Bring one government-issued photo ID per traveler: a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license for U.S. domestic travel or a passport for international travel; keep a digital copy and a printed copy in an accessible pocket at the carrier counter and at the security checkpoint.
Verify passport validity and entry permissions: many destinations require at least six months of passport validity beyond the travel date and one or two blank pages; obtain required visas or electronic travel authorizations before arrival–airlines may refuse boarding without them; consult the destination country’s embassy site for specific entry rules.
Measure and weigh bags at home including wheels and handles; typical carry-on external dimensions used by major U.S. carriers are about 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and personal-item dimensions roughly 18 x 14 x 8 inches, but size and weight allowances vary by carrier and fare class. Common checked-bag allowances in economy: 23 kg / 50 lb per bag; heavier or oversized items often incur fees or require special handling. Confirm precise allowances and fees with your carrier before travel.
Prepare for security screening: liquids and gels in carry-on must be 100 ml / 3.4 oz or smaller and fit inside a single clear quart‑size resealable bag (one bag per passenger); place laptops and large electronics in an easy-to-access compartment for separate screening unless enrolled in TSA PreCheck. Remove shoes, belts, and outer jackets if required by the checkpoint instructions.
Handle restricted and battery-powered items correctly: spare lithium batteries and power banks belong in the cabin only; power banks typically must be under 100 Wh unless airline approval is obtained for 100–160 Wh; batteries over 160 Wh are not permitted. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are allowed in the cabin but prohibited in the hold. Knives, most tools, flammable liquids, and certain aerosols are forbidden in carry-on.
Pack critical items in your personal item: passports, visas, boarding passes or confirmation numbers, prescription medications in original containers, printed medical documentation for syringes or injectable meds, and a small clear bag of travel-size liquids you’ll need through screening. Use a reliable daypack that fits under the seat–see recommendations such as best uni backpack.
Final at-home steps: weigh each bag with a luggage scale; affix a durable name tag and phone number; use TSA-approved locks for hold baggage; photograph contents and serial numbers for high-value items; confirm carrier-specific rules for oversized, fragile, or sports equipment to avoid day-of surprises.
